Riley doesn’t think LBJ needs ‘go-to’ shot

Miami president Pat Riley was quick to jump to the defense of embattled star forward LeBron James.

After the Heat’s unceremonious six-game series loss in the NBA Finals to Dallas, James’ image has been taking a beating — particularly after he averaged 3.0 points per game and shot 31.8 percent in the fourth quarter against the Mavericks.

Riley said that those comments are unfair and he expects James to improve for next season because of the difficulties he’s had to endure since arriving at South Beach.

Riley said the over-the-top criticism of James was unfair and that he expected an improved James next season as a result.

“He’s the most unique player in the NBA, and we’re blessed to have him,” Riley told reporters in comments reported by the Miami Herald. “He’s much different than Dr.J [Julius Erving], so much different than Michael [Jordan], different than Magic [Johnson], Larry Bird, he’s just different.

“And I think we have to understand that he is different, but he’s also an extraordinarily gifted basketball player. Like anybody who comes up short, at his level of expectation, his own individual expectation, gets back into the gym and finds a way to get better, so that’s how I look at LeBron.”

Riley did say that James’ mid-range game isn’t as strong as that of teammate Dwyane Wade “when he really broke through,” but expects James to work on his post game over the summer to balance out the Heat.

But he didn’t agree with the assessment from many observers that James needs to develop a “go-to” shot.

“He’s got a go-to game,” Riley said. “He doesn’t have to have a go-to move. I think all players go through change and he will be in the gym this year and he will go through his game and get better.

“Now, is there going to be a go-to move? I’ll let him decide what that’s going to be because he knows what he needs to do to get better as a player.”

Despite the series loss, Riley still expects the Heat to be a force in the NBA for years to come.

“I’m not afraid to say it: We’re going to be multiple contenders,” he said. “I have no problem saying that, OK? We will contend. And that’s all it’s about.”

To get there, James better develop a killer instinct that will result in him playing better in the fourth quarter.

Because his efforts from the NBA Finals won’t get it done — for the Heat or anybody else.